More than 16,800 fans have pulled out from the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico due to safety concerns following the ICE shooting incident in Minnesota.
The path to the 2026 World Cup has encountered a concerning obstacle
Tens of thousands of supporters are starting to withdraw from the forthcoming high-profile tournament due to escalating safety concerns, political instability, and human rights issues in the United States — prompting FIFA to arrange an urgent meeting this week.
As reported by Roya News, approximately 16,800 ticket holders withdrew from their World Cup involvement overnight due to swiftly circulating boycott calls on social media.
Due to FIFA’s strict no-refund policy on World Cup tickets, this number is thought to indicate fans backing out of Phase Three ticket sales, which encompasses random draw applications and purchases via member associations.
Fans from abroad especially expressed unease regarding the existing political environment and worries about their personal safety when visiting the US.
For many, the critical moment seems to have been a deadly shooting related to ICE in Minneapolis — where a 37-year-old mother of three was killed during an ICE traffic stop — igniting concerns regarding policing, public safety, and civil unrest.
What was intended to be an international football celebration is rapidly turning into a reason for discomfort.
The 2026 World Cup is significant: it will be the first featuring 48 teams and the inaugural event hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Yet rather than excitement, unease is increasing.
Supporters from Europe, South America, and Africa have expressed that they no longer feel secure traveling to the US.
Due to FIFA’s rigid no-refund policy on purchased World Cup tickets, it is thought that the number indicates fans opting out of Phase Three of ticket sales, which encompasses random draw applications and acquisitions via member associations
The repercussions are already being experienced. Hotel reservations in host cities have allegedly decreased, while prices for ticket resales have fallen.In reaction, FIFA has arranged an urgent meeting with high-ranking officials and event organizers.
Conversations are anticipated to center on safety issues for fans, decreasing ticket pledges, and the increasing reputational danger linked to the tournament.
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